Oral Diffusion Reservoir for Overnight Dry Mouth Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for treating dry mouth, such as xerostomia, require active application during wakefulness and pose choking hazards, and there are no passive methods for overnight or unconscious treatment.

Innovation Solution

A device with a reservoir and permeable material that delivers oral treatments, like moisturizers or medicines, passively and continuously during sleep, using various configurations to fit different mouth types and conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If active hydration methods (mouth rinse, toothpaste, lozenges, sprays) are used, then temporary relief of dry mouth symptoms is achieved, but the patient must be awake for application and reapplication is required frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of applicationVSAvoidfrequency of reapplication

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device is prepared in advance with treatment material loaded into the reservoir, and the patient wears it during sleep so treatment occurs automatically without requiring action during the treatment period

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device automatically delivers treatment material through passive diffusion during sleep, serving itself without requiring the patient to actively reapply treatment throughout the night

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If active hydration methods are used, then dry mouth symptoms are temporarily alleviated, but treatment only occurs when the patient is awake and poses choking hazard when patient is not awake

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of treatmentVSAvoidduration of treatment coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is configured in advance to deliver treatment passively during sleep, ensuring safety by eliminating the need for patient awareness while extending treatment coverage throughout the night

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces active mechanical application methods with passive diffusion through permeable materials, eliminating the need for patient action and reducing choking hazards while extending treatment duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Duration of action of moving object

If short-acting salivary flow stimulants are used, then temporary moisturizing effect is achieved, but the effect duration is limited and requires frequent reapplication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of moisturizing effectVSAvoideffectiveness per application

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device provides continuous passive diffusion of treatment material throughout the night while the patient sleeps, maintaining consistent moisturizing effect without interruption or need for reapplication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Provides continuous and safe hydration or treatment for dry mouth, snoring, sore throat, and other conditions without waking the user, reducing choking risks and enhancing athletic performance.

Implementation Method 1

A device with a reservoir and permeable material that delivers oral treatments, like moisturizers or medicines, passively and continuously during sleep

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS12527656B2Oral diffusing device

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 HYDRORAL SAS

AI summary

A system for delivering an oral moisturizer is disclosed having an appliance disposed inside a user's mouth having a reservoir for receiving a predetermined amount of a product. The reservoir having ports for delivering the product into the user's mouth at a predetermined rate.